Classification, characterisation and strategies for improvement of cattle and sheep pasture systems in marginal areas of Southern Chile

Pasture-based livestock systems in farms with medium or low size are especially important in less favored areas and are valuable for society. For these systems to survive, it is necessary to obtain an acceptable level of productivity and ensure commercialization of the products. This study was carried out in the district of Rio Ibáñez, General Carrera Province, in the XI (Aysén) Region of Chile. The sample consisted of 28 small-scale livestock farmers with dual-purpose cattle production; 16 of them also produced sheep for meat. The empirical data produced 55 variables which were subjected to multivariate analysis; three main components were obtained which explain 72.1 % of the variance. By cluster analysis it was obtained four groups with characteristics which varied by farm size, age and personal situation of farmers, farm management and farm profitability. The principal problems found are low productivity in the herds and the poor marketing channels of animals produced. In two groups, due to the low size and poor management, the profitability of the farms is very low and this may compromise their future. To improve production systems, the training and advice of farmers should be strengthened, investment should be supported, especially for young people, and the farmer partnership should be promoted. There is also a need to diversify the families' sources of income (sale of other farm products or handicrafts and touristic activities).Ministerio de Economía de Chile Innova-CORFO Project 11 NTEC 1279

The Effect of Genetic and Infrastructure Investments in Dairy and Beef Producers' Profit in Chile

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of infrastructure and genetic improvement investments, promoted by a government program (Programa de Modernizacion Ganadera), in milk and meat producers' profit in Region IX. Using a system of simultaneous equations, the effect of the investment on quality, in the price, in the yield and production cost of milk were estimated. In the case of milk, we reject the nonlinear hypothesis that the elasticities of investment in genetic improvement in gross income and variable costs are equal to zero. The estimation was done using information of 276 producers of the IX Region that participated in the program during the period 1998-99 (17,3 % of the regional population), with information for the years 1998 (baseline), 2001 and 2003. The results indicate that the investment in infrastructure had a positive and statistically significant impact in the quality of milk, which translates into a higher price received by producers. Meanwhile the investment in genetic improvement had a positive and significant effect in milk yield, but also in costs. Similar results were obtained for meat production, but the effect is weaker than in milk production, especially for infrastructure investments.Livestock Production/Industries, O13, Q14, Q16,

Proposition d'une stratégie visant à améliorer l'appui de l'Indap concernant la valorisation de la qualité des produits agroalimentaires paysans chiliens : rapport de mission Santiago du Chili, 23 au 27 mai 2005

L'INDAP - Instituto Nacional de Desarollo AgroPecuario - a été mandaté par le ministère de l'agriculture chilien pour mettre en oeuvre une stratégie de valorisation de la qualité des produits agroalimentaires des petits paysans chiliens. Dans ce contexte, l'objectif de la coopération Indap - Cirad est d'étudier le système existant pour proposer une stratégie et des instruments (nouveaux ou améliorés) destinés à optimiser l'appui mis en oeuvre par l'Indap. Dans ce but et depuis mars 2003, les actions suivantes ont été retenues et mises en oeuvre: - F1: Réaliser des audits qualité, auprès des acteurs concernés, afin d'identifier les limites de maîtrise de la qualité. - F2: Etudier la perception des attributs de qualité par les consommateurs et leur volonté à en payer le prix. - F3: Etudier des démarches Qualité françaises en Languedoc-Roussillon. - F4: appuyer l'organisation de l'évènement bi-annuel «Expo mundo Rural» vecteur de valorisation des produits «Sabores del Campo». La mission réalisée en mai 2005 était l'occasion de faire le point sur le travail réalisé jusque là (F1 à F4) afin de proposer une nouvelle stratégie dans laquelle le Cirad pourrait éventuellement continuer à s'impliquer. Parmi les points faibles notés dans le projet actuel de valorisation des produits agroalimentaires paysans chiliens, ont été relevés: - un manque de formation des producteurs (sur le thème de la qualité). - un manque de formalisation des pratiques. - la mise en avant de «caractéristiques produits» qui se révèlent être non mesurable. - un manque d'impact économique garanti concernant la valorisation de ses produits par des signes Qualité. - la compatibilité peu évidente entre valorisation locale et internationale. - la déficience en structures locales expérimentées de certification et d'accréditation. Afin de pallier à certains de ces points faibles et ainsi répondre aux attentes tant des consommateurs que des producteurs, les grandes lignes d'un nouveau projet - dans lequel le Cirad a proposé sa contribution - ont été arrêtées; il s'agit de - WP 1: Coordination du projet. - WP 2: Consolidation de la marque «Sabores del Campo» - WP 3: Caractérisation des attributs de Qualité. - WP 4: Elaboration du système de contrôle. (Résumé d'auteur

Criterios de clasificación y re-definición de un perfil comercial de la Agricultura Familiar Campesina, Región del Maule, Chile

In Chile, small-scale farmers are classified according to old approaches from 1993 that do not include changes occurred in the last two decades. Maule is the region with most rural population in Chile which represents a significant stratum for development, innovation and competitiveness. This study explores a new approach of small-scale farmers -associated with Family Farm Agriculture (AFC) - classification in Chile and it describes a commercial profile or AFC-1 for famers of the Maule Region. A Cluster analysis to determine AFC-1 farmers is used. The analysis includes four association variables: Total Assets, Farm Income, Production Costs and Management Indicators. The results suggest that 16.4% of the farmers have a commercial profile and they could stay out support provided by the National Institute for Agricultural Development (INDAP). This group of farmers would not belong to AFC in short terms. This fact could bring restriction to AFC-1 farmers such as lack of credit access, less investment incentives and technical assistance. Thus, it would expect low process of technology adoption and welfare improvement. New agrarian policies must be warranted to support this important group of famers with a commercial profile.El pequeño productor en Chile es clasificado de acuerdo con criterios que datan desde 1993, los que no incorporan los cambios producidos en el medio rural en las últimas décadas. La Región del Maule concentra la mayor proporción de población rural de Chile, lo que representa un estrato significativo para las estrategias de desarrollo, innovación e inserción competitiva. En este estudio se exploraron nuevos criterios de clasificación del pequeño productor asociado a la Agricultura Familiar Campesina (AFC) en Chile, definiendo un nuevo perfil comercial con énfasis en agricultores de la Región del Maule. El perfil comercial se determinó a través de un análisis cluster considerando cuatro criterios de clasificación: Activos Totales, Ingreso Agrícola, Costos de Producción y un Indicador de Gestión. Del análisis se desprende que un 16,4% de los agricultores posee perfil comercial (AFC-1) y podría dejar de cumplir los requisitos establecidos por la Ley para ser usuarios del Instituto de Desarrollo Agropecuario (INDAP). En el corto plazo no serían parte de la AFC, lo que presentaría ciertas restricciones y factores que limitan la competitividad de este importante segmento, tales como el acceso al crédito, inversiones y asistencia técnica. Dichas variables son clave en procesos de adopción de nuevas tecnologías y mejoramiento del ingreso agrícola y, por lo tanto, posibilitan la permanencia en esta actividad económica. Políticas agrarias eficientes deben ser consideradas para continuar apoyando a este grupo de mayor capacidad empresarial.Fil: Jara-Rojas, Roberto. Universidad de TalcaFil: Díaz Osorio, José. Universidad de TalcaFil: Manríquez, Paula. Universidad de TalcaFil: Rojas, Álvaro. Universidad de Talc

Classification, characterisation and strategies for improvement of cattle and sheep pasture systems in marginal areas of Southern Chile

Pasture-based livestock systems in farms with medium or low size are especially important in less favored areas and are valuable for society. For these systems to survive, it is necessary to obtain an acceptable level of productivity and ensure commercialization of the products. This study was carried out in the district of Rio Ibáñez, General Carrera Province, in the XI (Aysén) Region of Chile. The sample consisted of 28 small-scale livestock farmers with dual-purpose cattle production; 16 of them also produced sheep for meat. The empirical data produced 55 variables which were subjected to multivariate analysis; three main components were obtained which explain 72.1 % of the variance. By cluster analysis it was obtained four groups with characteristics which varied by farm size, age and personal situation of farmers, farm management and farm profitability. The principal problems found are low productivity in the herds and the poor marketing channels of animals produced. In two groups, due to the low size and poor management, the profitability of the farms is very low and this may compromise their future. To improve production systems, the training and advice of farmers should be strengthened, investment should be supported, especially for young people, and the farmer partnership should be promoted. There is also a need to diversify the families' sources of income (sale of other farm products or handicrafts and touristic activities).Ministerio de Economía de Chile Innova-CORFO Project 11 NTEC 1279

Evaluacion ex-post de proyectos agricolas financiados por el Instituto Nacional de Desarrollo Agropecuario (INDAP) Area Talca

144 p.La tesis desarrollada en este trabajo, mas que buscar la demostración científica de la conveniencia de aplicar uno u otro método para evaluar los proyectos que Ilegan a INDAP, busca ayudar a esta institución para que mejore los resultados que obtienen en la evaluación de los proyectos que son presentados, y por lo tanto ayudara a tomar mejores decisiones al momento de elegir los proyectos que serán financiados por INDAP. En base a esto, se busca determinar los posibles factores que influyen en una evaluación de proyectos para que entregue resultados diferentes entre la evaluación ex-ante y la evaluación ex-post. Para poder lograr lo antes expuesto se trabajo con proyectos que fueron presentados a INDAP para ser financiados. A ellos se les realiza una evaluación ex-ante bajo un formato determinado, distinto al presentado por los formuladores y similar para cada proyecto. Posteriormente se realiza la evaluación ex-post de los mismos proyectos determinando con esto la rentabilidad real de los mismos. Una vez terminada la evaluación ex-post se comparan los resultados de esta con los de la evaluación ex-ante y se determinan los posibles factores que influyen en las diferencias (si existen). Además se realiza un ranking de proyectos, de los proyectos evaluados ex-ante y ex-post, utilizando como criterio la Tasa Interna de Retorno (T.I.R.), así ordenaremos los proyectos de mayor a menor T.I.R. Este trabajo es de mucha importancia para poder evaluar los métodos utilizados por INDAP en la evaluación de los proyectos que posteriormente son financiados y al personal que esta a cargo de la Formulación y Evaluación, y además para saber los motivos de las diferencias entre lo esperado y lo real

Public Policy on Microfinance in South America

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of public policies in various countries of South America on the development of microfinance (MF). A broad definition of public policy has been used in this work, as it covers specific legislation seeking to develop more inclusive financial systems; government participation in official bank programs; second-tier bank funds; the use of targeted funds and guarantee and intelligent subsidy schemes, etc. Particular attention is focused on financial system regulatory frameworks, as they tend to play a fundamental role in the success of such programs. An analysis is made of best practices recommended by international agencies, matching them against the existing framework for microfinance activities in the countries analyzed. The main conclusion that can be drawn is that despite the very varied nature of the initiatives pursued, one common element observed in all the countries surveyed is the role played by commercial banks in MF development. Nevertheless, note should be taken of the direct and indirect role played by the state in encouraging the involvement of the financial sector as the leading provider of MF, a role that is in general based on criteria of selfsustainability and commercial practices.Microfinance, Public policies

Criterios de clasificación y re-definición de un perfil comercial de la Agricultura Familiar Campesina, Región del Maule, Chile

Jara-Rojas, R (reprint author), Univ Talca, Fac Ciencias Agr, Dpto Econ Agr, 2 Norte 685 Talca,Casilla 747, Talca, Chile.In Chile, small-scale farmers are classified according to old approaches from 1993 that do not include changes occurred in the last two decades. Maule is the region with most rural population in Chile which represents a significant stratum for development, innovation and competitiveness. This study explores a new approach of small-scale farmers -associated with Family Farm Agriculture (AFC) - classification in Chile and it describes a commercial profile or AFC-1 for famers of the Maule Region. A Cluster analysis to determine AFC-1 farmers is used. The analysis includes four association variables: Total Assets, Farm Income, Production Costs and Management Indicators. The results suggest that 16.4% of the farmers have a commercial profile and they could stay out support provided by the National Institute for Agricultural Development (INDAP). This group of farmers would not belong to AFC in short terms. This fact could bring restriction to AFC-1 farmers such as lack of credit access, less investment incentives and technical assistance. Thus, it would expect low process of technology adoption and welfare improvement. New agrarian policies must be warranted to support this important group of famers with a commercial profile

Análisis de instrumentos otorgados por INDAP (inversión al fortalecimiento productivo (IFP) y fondo de apoyo inicial (FAI) con los usuarios PRODESAL de la comuna de San Clemente (VII Región del Maule)

76 p.El Instituto Nacional de Desarrollo Agropecuario (INDAP) tiene por meta el brindar condiciones favorables para el desarrollo de La Agricultura Familiar Campesina (AFC), para lo cual destina parte importante de los recursos para el funcionamiento de sus programas de fomento. Uno de ellos es el Programa de Desarrollo Local (PRODESAL), el que apoya la actividad silvoagropecuaria de los pequeños productores agrícolas de menores recursos, a través de asesoría técnica e inversiones orientadas a la capitalización y modernización de los sistemas productivos de los usuarios, con énfasis en inversiones, amigables con el medioambiente y que contribuyan a elevar el nivel de ingresos y den sostenibilidad a los emprendimientos agrícolas. En esta investigación se analizó si la obtención de los instrumentos; Inversión al Fortalecimiento Productivo (IFP) y Fondo de Apoyo Inicial (FAI) de INDAP por parte de los usuarios PRODESAL aumenta el Valor de la Producción (VP). Para este efecto se utilizó una muestra de 118 usuarios de un total de 595 pertenecientes a la comuna de San Clemente. A partir de la información obtenida, se caracterizaron los factores productivos y comerciales de los usuarios, también se analizó el efecto de los instrumentos IFP y FAI de INDAP sobre la producción agrícola de los usuarios. Para ello se realizó una comparación de medias a través de programa SPSS versión 15, el cual permitió analizar el efecto de IFP y FAI en el VP. De acuerdo con el análisis descriptivo de los factores de producción, se observó que gran parte de los usuarios son propietarios, poseen suelos de la clase III y IV principalmente, todos disponen de agua para regar pero no todos son dueño del agua y hay un mínimo uso de riego tecnificado. Presentan un alto grado de informalidad y sólo el rubro ganadero realiza venta de su producción. El efecto de los instrumentos IFP y FAI sobre la producción no es significativo, lo que podría indicar que tanto el programa PRODESAL como los instrumentos entregados por INDAP no aportan mejoras para los usuarios. Sin embargo, hay que considerar otros factores antes de concluir lo expresado, ya que sólo se evaluó posterior a un año de recibir los beneficios. Los usuarios de la muestra pertenecen en su mayoría al segmento uno (el más vulnerable)./ABSTRACT: The National Institute of Agricultural Development (INDAP) has as its main goal to provide favorable conditions for the development of the family agriculture (AFC), for which intended major part of the resources for the operation of its programs to promote such conditions. One of them is the Local Development Programme (PRODESAL), which supports agricultural and forestry activity of small farmers with limited resources through technical advice and investments aimed at capitalization and modernization of user’s productive systems with emphasis on investment, environmentally friendly and designed for raising the level of income and provide sustainability for farming enterprises. In this research was analyzed if obtaining the instruments, strengthening Productive Investment (IFP) and the Initial Support (FAI) INDAP by PRODESAL users, would increases the value of production (VP). A sample of 118 from a total of 595 members of the community of San Clemente was used for this purpose. From the information obtained, the factors of production and commercial users were characterized, the effect of the IFP and FAI INDAP instruments on agricultural production users was also analyzed. Finally, this comparison of averages through SPSS version 15 allowed us to analyze the effect of IFP and FAI on the VP performing.According to the descriptive analysis of the factors of production, it was observed that most of the users are landowners, they have soils mainly classified as III and IV level, all of them have water to irrigate but not everyone are water owners neither they have a minimum use of modern irrigation. They exhibit a high degree of informality and only the livestock category makes production’s sales.The effect of the IFP and FAI instruments on production is not significant, which may indicate that both instruments PRODESAL program and delivered by INDAP instruments do not improve conditions for users. However, other factors must be considered before stating what is mentioned, as it was only evaluated after a year of receiving benefits. Users of the sample mainly belong to the segment one (the most vulnerable